Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Brooklyn
1. Westlight
Perched atop The William Vale, Westlight pairs a glass-walled lounge with an open-air terrace for sweeping views of Manhattan and the East River—prime Williamsburg skyline theater with polished small plates and a deep cocktail list.
✓ Why Go:
For sophisticated drinks and one of Brooklyn’s most cinematic sunset panoramas, ideal for a first-night wow moment.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour into early evening on weekdays to dodge peak lines; clear nights amplify the skyline sparkle.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for terrace seating facing the northwest for the best Empire State Building-to-midtown frame; book a timed reservation when available.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the 360-degree views and balanced craft cocktails; occasional waits are considered worth it for the setting.
2. Harriet's Rooftop
Atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s blends lush design with front-row vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and the harbor—an elegant DUMBO perch for photo-ready cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
To sip with an uninterrupted bridge-and-skyline backdrop and a relaxed, resort-like vibe on the waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for glowing bridge shots; late evenings for a calmer lounge feel after daytrippers fade.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive a bit before sunset to secure railing-side seats and stay as city lights switch on for a second, magical view.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the dramatic bridge perspective and elevated ambiance; prices are premium but expected for the location.
3. Bar Blondeau
Wythe Hotel’s breezy sixth-floor bar serves French-accented bites, natural wines, and cocktails with indoor-outdoor seating and a postcard window over the East River.
✓ Why Go:
For a chic, seafood-forward nibble-and-sip session in the heart of Williamsburg with refined yet unfussy energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for daylight-to-dusk transitions; weekdays for easier walk-ins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window banquette; pair a crisp white or spritz with the seafood tower for a Euro-summer moment.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the polished service, refined menu, and wraparound views that feel special without being stuffy.
4. Berry Park
A laid-back Williamsburg rooftop beer garden overlooking McCarren Park and the skyline—ample communal tables, big screens for matches, and a crowd-pleasing tap list.
✓ Why Go:
For casual rooftop vibes with friends, pints, and sun—no fuss, just views and atmosphere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for a social buzz; weekday evenings for more elbow room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the roof’s edge for the best midtown sightlines; arrive early on sunny Saturdays to snag a table.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for easygoing energy and generous space; some note lively noise levels during big games.
5. Elsewhere Rooftop
Bushwick’s music hub opens a colorful rooftop with DJs, artful design, and skyline peeks—a creative, dance-friendly scene under the stars.
✓ Why Go:
To mix rooftop drinks with a pulse of local nightlife and emerging-artist sets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm-weather evenings, especially Thursday–Saturday, when the lineup and crowd energy peak.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar and snag tickets in advance for special events; arrive early to breeze through security and claim a view spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the inclusive scene and party-forward soundtrack; expect lines on hot summer nights.
6. Rooftop Reds
An urban vineyard hidden atop the Brooklyn Navy Yard—trellised vines, hammocks, tastings, and seasonal events with a mellow, community feel.
✓ Why Go:
For a one-of-a-kind Brooklyn-only experience that fuses wine culture with skyline gazing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring through fall for peak greenery and outdoor lounging.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reservations are often required; follow entry instructions for the Navy Yard and budget a few extra minutes for check-in.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the novelty and chill vibe; limited capacity keeps it intimate but means planning ahead.
7. Laser Wolf Brooklyn
A rooftop skewer house atop The Hoxton with lively Israeli flavors, frozen cocktails, and an expansive terrace aimed squarely at the Manhattan skyline.
✓ Why Go:
For destination dining and drinking with knockout views and a fun, celebratory mood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset or late-night slots; shoulder times help with reservations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bar seats facing the terrace offer quick access to views; save room for dessert and a nightcap as the skyline lights up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners gush over the feast-style menu and cityscape; booking can be competitive.
8. Time Out Market New York Rooftop
The market’s fifth-floor terrace in DUMBO serves cocktails and bites with unbeatable angles on the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
✓ Why Go:
To sample multiple vendors, then toast the bridges without leaving the building.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into dusk for softer light and fewer crowds than weekend midday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Circle to the terrace’s river-facing corner for the classic double-bridge shot; weekday evenings are most relaxed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers appreciate the convenience and views; it’s busy during prime hours but great for mixed tastes.
9. Randolph Beer DUMBO Rooftop
A breezy rooftop steps from the Manhattan Bridge with craft beer, cocktails, and games—easygoing DUMBO fun with skyline slices.
✓ Why Go:
For a casual, come-as-you-are stop on a DUMBO rooftop crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings on weekdays; weekends fill fast after 4 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a drink and head to the bridge-facing rail for the best photos; downstairs offers an extensive tap selection.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests like the relaxed vibe and approachable menu; occasional waits during rush hours.
10. The Rooftop at The Box House Hotel
Greenpoint’s panoramic rooftop crowns a boutique hotel with greenhouse-style seating, craft cocktails, and head-on Midtown views across Newtown Creek.
✓ Why Go:
For a quieter, neighborhood rooftop with big-league vistas and date-night ambiance.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear evenings and weekend brunch for softer crowds and flattering light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a corner table to capture both river and Midtown angles; check for seasonal specials.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers note friendly service, relaxed pacing, and surprisingly expansive views from Brooklyn’s north edge.
